There are a total of 12 animal signs in the Chinese calendar based on five cycles of 12 years each, with each cycle tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. According to Chinese astrology and belief, the traits of these zodiac animals not only shape the personalities of people born under the respective sign but also their lives and the events of the year. The diligent, reliable and sincere Ox, second in the Zodiac Cycle, starts off yet another New Year on the Chinese zodiac calendar in 2009. Three graphic illustrations of this strong Ox ushering in the new Lunar Year 2009 are shown in this set of 1st Local, 65¢ and $1.10 stamps.